BubbleStream

C L Roman

Illusion

Synopsis

As a couple, Gwyneth and Jotun aren’t conventional, or even completely human, but they are happy. Then a global disaster forces them to escape through The Shift, that dark space in between worlds where anything might happen and does. When they are separated by the very force they hoped would save them, Jotun and Gwyneth find a modern world full of unfamiliar faces, advanced technology, and secret enemies. Each must fight against deception and unravel the goals of opposing factions, separating truth from illusion in a bid to save each other and a world that seems bent on self-destruction

Author Biography

Cheri Roman writes fantasy and paranormal young adult. She currently has two series in the works: Rephaim and The Witch of Forsythe High. Most days you can find her on her blog, The Brass Rag, or working on her next novel or short story. Cheri lives in the not-so-wilds of Northeast Florida with her husband and Jack E. Boy, the super Chihuahua

Author Insight

Marriage made of Heaven and Earth

If you were married to an angel, what would the relationship be like? How would such a couple interact? Love crosses all boundaries and draws two people together against all odds. A mere difference of origin can't stop or change that. For Jotun and Gwyneth, it is a matter of commitment, regardless of circumstance or location. They love each other, no matter what.

Book Excerpt

Illusion

A cold wind sighed through the trees as they trudged along, Jotun in front breaking a path through the thick foliage. He threw her a quick glance over his shoulder. "You are a stubborn woman, Gwyneth."

She smiled. "Because I insisted on coming with you when I knew you would need me?" She shook her head. "I call that practical, not stubborn."

He made an indeterminate sound and shoved his way through an especially heavy stand of trees. "At least you do not complain. Most would, I think."

She frowned. "Humans, you mean?"

He shrugged and pushed on. The trees shut out all but the occasional sliver of sky, but the air had a heavy, wet smell to it and the forest around them was silent except for the wind.

They had been walking for only a short time when he stopped and asked her to wait where she was. Setting his pack aside, he freed his wings and leapt vertical, slipping between the tree branches like water through rocks. He was back in a few moments. "I think we may be running out of time, my love," he said, settling to the ground next to her.

She swallowed. "What did you see?"

"The horizon is smudged, as if someone had drawn a blanket across it. And the winds aloft are colder than I have ever felt. The air feels...wet."

"The flood Danae spoke of?" Gwyneth blinked as the wind tugged at her hair, drawing it across her eyes. Shoving the offending strands behind her ear, she stared up at Jotun. "Its as well that I came along then," she said. "This way we won't be separated."

He gave her a slow smile. "We can never be separated for long." He cupped her chin in his palm. "And if ever we are, all you need do is call to me and I will come. There exists no power, save Sabaoth's own, strong enough to keep me from you when you call."

She stretched up and kissed him. "And none, save Sabaoth's own, that would keep me from you." A quick glance around showed her that the light, already dimmed by the surrounding forest, was beginning to fade. "But for now, we'd best get on. If we are running out of time, we need to get to the children before the storm hits."

The pair strode through the forest and a few moments later broke into a clearing. On the other side Gant sat, waiting.